Ex-teammates feud as Mariners sink Glory

THE Central Coast Mariners have claimed a 2-0 victory over a 10-man Perth Glory, in a game almost overshadowed by the rivalry between two former teammates.

Former Mariners Nick Montgomery and Liam Reddy didn't shake hands before the Glory's loss at Gosford stadium, but the Central Coast captain couldn't resist a cheeky wave when the goalkeeper was sent off in the closing minutes.

The Mariners were leading 2-0 when Reddy came out of his box to clear the ball. He took a touch in preparation to boot it away, but the goalkeeper took a moment too long.

Trent Buhgiar jumped on the opportunity and got to the ball before Reddy, who stuck a foot out and caught the Mariner.

Despite Glory defender Dino Djublic being between Reddy and his goal and in a position to clear the ball, the Perth keeper was shown a straight red card.

As he left the pitch, Montgomery couldn't resist waving goodbye to the departing player.

"I've not got anything to comment on that," Montgomery told Fox Sports after the match.

"Maybe it's a red card, maybe it's not.

"It's disappointing for them (the Glory) because he's been great for them all season."

Fox Sports football experts Mark Bosnich and Mark Rudan didn't feel the challenge was worthy of a red card as Djublic would have got to the ball before a Mariner.

"For me personally I don't think it was a red," Bosnich said.

"I think Djublic would have made a tackle."

"It wasn't violent conduct," Rudan said.

"But with that touch it was heavy and Djublic was there to take the ball away so I don't think it was a clear goalscoring opportunity unless the referee deemed it to be.

"Dino was on the way to intercepting that ball."

The Mariners scored two goals in four minutes early in the second half to eventually triumph, but it's the Glory who should have been leading at half-time.

In the minutes leading up to the break, Adam Taggart missed an open goal after great lead-up play from Andy Keogah and Castro.

"I'll put my hand up. I need to take that chance," Taggart said.

"There was a slight bobble but there's no excuse, I should be putting them away. It's disappointing for myself and I've got to be better."

That blunder was compounded by an earlier skied shot from Castro and a one-on-one miss from Keogh in stoppage time.

It proved fatal for the Glory. The Mariners scored in the 48th and 52nd minutes to swing the match in their favour.